Category: Introductions

What is/are your major(s)?

International Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

What is/are your minor(s)?

English

What is the name of your study abroad program?

Doshisha University – Center for Global Education and Japanese Studies

In what city & country is your study abroad program located?

Kyoto, Japan

What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?

I would want blog readers to know that my curiosity guides me in my studies, travels, relationships, and understanding of self. I have a desire to become a lifelong learner and my study abroad experience is a monumental step in this process for me, just as my current undergraduate education is. I would want them to know that I am a passionate and resilient woman who wants to see as many places and meet as many people as she can.

What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?

I am anticipating immersing myself in language practice, hopefully reaching a conversational level, and also traveling to national monuments and historical temples, shrines, and parks. I hope to make Japanese friends. Overall, I am expecting and hoping to have an independent experience where my time alone will allow me to self-reflect and learn more about who I am in this world, no matter where I go.

Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?

I always planned on studying abroad, even in high school, so that is why I picked DU (for its robust study abroad program). I knew I wanted to study abroad in Japan because my family hosted two Japanese exchange students when I was in high school. The girls were named Masako and Ai. I had an experience with Masako that stuck with me; she came up to the futon in the attic I was sleeping on one night with a little translating device. Neither of us spoke very well in each other’s languages, but she handed me to device and we began talking through it, giggling, and learning more about each other. I cherish that memory, and looking back on it, I find it to be indicative of the most important part of a study abroad experience: human connection despite all barriers of culture, language, race, upbringing, and identity–human connection over everything. This moved me greatly and I know it is something I hope to experience in my study abroad experience.